Annamaet Dog Food

Brief Overview

Annamaet Pet Foods is a family-owned and operated company that has been making dog food since 1986. Company president Rob Downey spent seven years doing graduate work in canine nutrition and exercise physiology and has published on the subject in peer-reviewed journals.

Annamaet makes foods for both cats and dogs. Their dog foods include original formulas with grains (23-32 percent crude protein). According to the company web site, the original formulas with grains are now all free of corn and wheat. The company also makes grain free dog food formulas (30 percent crude protein in all formulas) and a small breed all life stages formula (32 percent crude protein) that uses brown rice and millet. They also make grain free treats for dogs and several supplements. Annamaet’s company headquarters are located in Sellersville, Pennsylvania.

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Who Manufactures Annamaet?

Our latest information about who makes pet food for Annamaet is a couple of years old so it could be out of date. The information we have is that their food is made by Ohio Pet Foods in Lisbon, Ohio. This is a highly regarded company that co-packs for a number of super premium pet food companies. Ohio Pet Foods is also part-owner of Southern Tier Pet Nutrition which manufactures pet food for some well-known pet food companies.

Annamaet Recalls 2017

We do not find any recalls for Annamaet online or in the FDA database. According to the company, they have been testing their products and ingredients at independent labs since they begin operating.

Annamaet Dog Food Coupons 2017

Check Chewy.com and other online pet food sites for discounts on Annamaet foods. You can visit the Annamaet Facebook page to stay advised of upcoming specials and new products.

Annamaet Dog Food Overview

Annamaet currently has five foods in their Originals product line that contain grains (though not corn or wheat). They have four grain free dog foods. And they make a small breed all life stages food that uses brown rice and millet but is free of corn and wheat.

Annamaet has a number of things that make their foods stand out above other dog foods. They do not source any ingredients from China. They have formulated their own canine vitamin and mineral package to provide completely chelated minerals in their foods. Chelated minerals are minerals that are “proteinated” or bonded to proteins so they are easier for the dog to digest and absorb. Their foods also contain L-Carnitine to help increase the dog’s fat metabolism. L-Carnitine is made from amino acids and it can help turn fatty acids into muscle.

Annamaet’s Originals are made with low ash chicken, salmon, or venison and what they describe as healthy whole grains. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids to strengthen the immune system. Ash refers to the mineral content of a food or ingredient. Pet food manufacturers commonly determine the ash content of an ingredient or product by burning a sample of it and measuring the remains. This gives a “crude” ash content. Minerals that can be measured this way include magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, along with trace minerals. They are not vaporized when the food is burned. Canine nutritionists estimate that dogs require about 2 percent ash (mineral content) in their food. However, most kibble has around 6-8 percent ash after things like vitamins, minerals, botanicals, fermentation products, etc., are added. (The pet food industry often refers to these ingredients as “condiments.”) Canned dog food usually has about 3 percent ash. Higher quality proteins usually have less ash content because they do not include bone, for example. Thus, low ash chicken contains more chicken and fewer things that aren’t strictly chicken meat. Dr. Tim’s gives a good explanation of low ash content. AAFCO doesn’t require companies to list the ash content of their foods so we usually have to guess or investigate to find out. Complete nutrient profiles will provide this information and some companies do list them on their web sites.

Annamaet is also using algae in their foods. We have seen a few other dog food manufacturers using algae as an ingredient recently. According to Annamaet, algae is a stable and sustainable natural ingredient that is an excellent source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids. True. It is listed in the ingredients as a “fat product.” Sources suggest various health benefits for dogs from algae. However, there are different forms of algae being used in pet foods today. You may have seen spirulina listed in pet food ingredients – a kind of algae. Algal biomass is another kind of algae material that can be mixed with brewer’s yeast as a flavor enhancer in pet food. It’s also used in pet treats. This form is high in DHA. Most kinds of algae used in pet foods appear to be good for dogs as long as they come from good sources and don’t contain heavy metals, lead, arsenic, or mercury. Annamaet doesn’t specify what kind of algae they use in their foods.

Annamaet’s Originals include:

Adult Formula

Designed for older dogs, seniors or dogs with slower metabolisms, this is also a popular formula with kennels. Annamaet Adult is made with antibiotic free chicken, brown rice, and is corn and wheat free. Annamaet Adult is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for “ALL LIFE STAGES” (Gestation, Lactation, Growth and Maintenance).

First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Rolled Oats, Pearled Barley

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 23 percent, Crude Fat: 10 percent, Crude Fiber: 4.0 percent, Moisture: 10 percent
Calorie Content (calculated): Metabolizable Energy, as fed, 3671 kcal/kg = 1669 kcal/lb = 365 kcal/cup

Encore Formula

Annamaet Encore is designed for active dogs and also meets the needs of puppies including large breed puppies. This formula is made with antibiotic free chicken, fish and brown rice. Annamaet Encore is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for “ALL LIFE STAGES” (Gestation, Lactation, Growth and Maintenance).

First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Rolled Oats, Pearled Barley

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 25 percent, Crude Fat: 14 percent, Crude Fiber: 4.0 percent, Moisture: 10 percent
Calorie Content (calculated): Metabolizable Energy, as fed, 3887 kcal/lb = 1767 kcal/lb = 414 kcal/cup

Extra Formula

An updated formula, Annamaet Extra is now corn and wheat free. The fat content has been increased to make it more appealing to active dogs, canine athletes, and working dogs. This formula is now made with low ash chicken and brown rice. Annamaet Extra is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for “ALL LIFE STAGES” (Gestation, Lactation, Growth and Maintenance).

First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Sorghum, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Rolled Oats

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 26 percent, Crude Fat: 16 percent, Crude Fiber: 3.5 percent, Moisture: 10 percent
Calorie Content (calculated): Metabolizable Energy, as fed, 3992 kcal/kg = 1814Kcal/lb = 425 kcal/cup

Option Formula

Formulated as an “option” to their chicken-based products, this formula is made with wild caught salmon and free range venison. Annamaet Option is often used as a food for dogs with food allergies. This formula is corn and wheat free. Annamaet Option is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for “ALL LIFE STAGES” (Gestation, Lactation, Growth and Maintenance).

First five ingredients: Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Venison Meal, Rolled Oats

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 24 percent, Crude Fat: 13 percent, Crude Fiber: 4.0 percent, Moisture: 10 percent
Calorie Content (calculated): Metabolizable Energy, as fed, 3802 kcal/kg = 1728 Kcal/lb = 406 kcal/cup

Ultra Formula

Designed for performance dogs and puppies, Annamaet also suggests this food can be fed to small breed dogs. Annamaet Ultra is made with antibiotic free chicken, fish and brown rice. This is an “ultra” energy dense product, having the highest protein and fat levels of any of their formulas. Annamaet Ultra is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for “ALL LIFE STAGES” (Gestation, Lactation, Growth and Maintenance).

First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Whole Dry Eggs, Herring Meal

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 32 percent, Crude Fat: 20 percent, Crude Fiber: 3.0 percent, Moisture: 10 percent
Calorie Content (calculated): Metabolizable Energy, as fed, 4228 kcal/kg = 1992 kcal/lb = 480 kcal/cup

Annamaet’s grain free formulas include the following:

Grain Free Lean Formula

This food has half the fat of Annamaet’s other grain free products. In addition to helping dogs with weight concerns, the company suggests that this formula will also work well for large breed puppies and dogs with pancreatitis. Annamaet Lean is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for “ALL LIFE STAGES” (Gestation, Lactation, Growth and Maintenance).

First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Field Peas, Chickpeas, Potato, Tapioca

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 30 percent, Crude Fat: 7-9 percent, Crude Fiber: 3.5 percent, Moisture: 10 percent
Calorie Content (calculated): Metabolizable Energy, as fed, 3242 kcal/kg = 1474 Kcal/lb = 350 kcal/cup

Grain Free Aqualuk Formula

Contains wild caught salmon and herring. Annamaet Aqualuk provides Omega 3 Fatty Acids to help dogs with ear, skin and coat issues as well as chronic digestive upsets. Aqualuk is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for “ALL LIFE STAGES” (Gestation, Lactation, Growth and Maintenance).

First five ingredients: Salmon Meal, Field Peas, Herring Meal, Chickpeas, Potato

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 30 percent, Crude Fat: 16 percent, Crude Fiber: 3.5 percent, Moisture: 10 percent
Calorie Content (calculated): Metabolizable Energy, as fed, 3951 kcal/kg = 1796 Kcal/lb = 426 kcal/cup

Grain Free Salcha Formula

A poultry formula made with low ash chicken, turkey and duck. Annamaet says that their Salcha formula is very palatable and has helped many dogs with ear, skin and coat issues as well as chronic digestive upsets. Salcha is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for “ALL LIFE STAGES” (Gestation, Lactation, Growth and Maintenance).

First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Lentils, Duck Meal, Field Peas, Turkey Meal

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 30 percent, Crude Fat: 16 percent, Crude Fiber: 3.5 percent, Moisture: 10 percent
Calorie Content (calculated): Metabolizable Energy, as fed, 3980 kcal/kg = 1809 Kcal/lb = 430 kcal/cup

Grain Free Manitok Formula

A red meat formula that contains free range, grass fed lamb, buffalo and venison. According to Annamaet, their Manitok formula has helped many dogs with ear, skin and coat issues as well as chronic digestive upsets. Manitok is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for “ALL LIFE STAGES” (Gestation, Lactation, Growth and Maintenance).

First five ingredients: Buffalo Meal, Field Peas, Lamb Meal, Chickpeas, Venison Meal

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 30 percent, Crude Fat: 16 percent, Crude Fiber: 3.5 percent, Moisture: 10 percent
Calorie Content (calculated): Metabolizable Energy, as fed, 3912 kcal/kg = 1788 Kcal/lb = 422 kcal/cup

Annamaet’s Small Breed All Life Stages Formula

Formulated to meet the needs of your dog’s life from puppy to adult to senior. Small breeds need a more nutrient dense food as they eat smaller amounts per day. Many small breeds live longer than larger breeds; feeding the right diet can help to optimize their lifespans.

First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Whole Dry Eggs, Herring Meal

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 32 percent, Crude Fat: 20 percent, Crude Fiber: 3.0 percent, Moisture: 10 percent
Calorie Content (calculated): Metabolizable Energy, as fed, 4228 kcal/kg = 1992 kcal/lb = 480 kcal/cup

Overall, there is a lot to like about Annamaet’s foods. They are free of corn and wheat; they use low ash chicken and good sources of meat protein; they feature meat protein as a first ingredient; they use chelated minerals and prebiotics; they use natural preservatives; and their formulas appear to be well-balanced. Annamaet foods typically get rave reviews from customers at online pet food retailers.

Consumer Ratings for Annamaet:

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Annamaet Grain Free Aqualuk Formula Dog Food Review

Per Annamaet, their Grain Free Aqualuk Formula is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids that has helped many dogs with ear, skin, and coat issues as well as chronic digestive upsets. The food features wild-caught salmon and herring. We know that other dog foods have sensitive stomach formulas that use salmon and we know people who have used dog foods with fish for these conditions, so we have no reason to doubt these statements. Foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids are often a good choice for dogs with skin and coat problems. Aqualuk is AAFCO-approved for all life stages. (And thank you, Annamaet, for making it so easy to find these nutritional statements.)

The first five ingredients in this food are: Salmon Meal, Field Peas, Herring Meal, Chickpeas, Potato. Salmon meal as the first ingredient is a good ingredient. As a meal it has had most of the moisture and fat removed. Whole salmon has about 46 percent protein but this concentrated form of salmon should have a much higher protein percentage. Most kinds of meals from animals have a protein percentage around 80 percent, though this can vary depending on preparation and other factors. Salmon is considered to be a good source of Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6 and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Vitamin B12 and Selenium. As the first ingredient listed, there should be more salmon meal in the food than any other ingredient.

The second ingredient listed is field peas. Peas (and lentils and beans) are increasingly taking the place of grains in grain free dog foods. Some dogs are able to digest these ingredients better than others. You should be aware that peas, lentils, et al usually have a higher protein percentage than grains and some dog food companies prefer to use them because they are less expensive than using more meat protein. This is one of the things that people complained about with grains in dog foods so the problem hasn’t really changed – only the ingredients. Field peas are about 25 percent protein – slightly more than garden peas. They are mostly carbohydrates with a very small amount of fat. They do provide a range of vitamins and minerals as well as some dietary fiber. Again, some dogs have problems digesting large amounts of peas – it often depends on the dog and the amount of peas in a food. If your dog has problems with peas in dog food, try looking for a food that doesn’t use them, or uses less.

The third ingredient listed is herring meal. Atlantic herring is 23 percent protein, 15 percent carbs, and 62 percent fat. Since this is a meal it means that most of the moisture and fat have been removed, leaving mostly protein and carbs. Herring is considered to be a good source of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Selenium. It’s normally a good source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids but with most of the fat removed from the meal, there may be less of these fatty acids remaining.

The fourth ingredient is chickpeas. Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are another dried legume that is taking the place of grain in grain free dog foods. According to some sources, chickpeas have higher nutrition values and fewer digestive problems in “nonruminants” such as birds and pigs than peas, common beans, and soybeans. There is some suggestion that nonruminants (birds and pigs) that are still growing may not grow well when eating a diet that includes raw chickpeas. This research refers to livestock and farm animals only. Whether there has been serious research about chickpeas and dogs is unknown. Chickpeas are 19 percent protein, 13 percent fat, and 68 percent carbs. They are considered to be a good source of Dietary Fiber and Copper, and a very good source of Folate and Manganese.

The fifth ingredient in this food is potatoes. While some people will say that their dogs can’t eat potatoes, they are still often used in grain free dog foods. Potatoes are mostly starch – 92 percent carbohydrates; 7 percent protein; and 1 percent fat. They are considered a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium and Manganese. We hear lots of people talking about avoiding potatoes and it’s kind of mystifying. Here’s Honest Kitchen’s take on potatoes. And, yes, we are familiar with leaky gut. But, good grief! How many dogs in this country actually have this condition? (Go ahead. Send your hate mail to me. I speak only for myself on this subject and not for Dogfood.guru.) Obviously, if your dog has a food sensitivity or an allergy that includes potato protein, you should avoid potatoes.

Other ingredients of interest in Aqualuk include Tapioca – a starch from the cassava root that contains few nutrients. It’s a binder, a thickener, and can be used to alter the texture of food. It’s sometimes used as an alternative starch in allergy dog foods – an alternative to potatoes, for example. But not in this food.

The food also contains Menhaden Oil, pressed from Menhaden fish. Menhaden oil is a source of Omega-3 fatty acid. The food also contains kelp meal which is a source of trace minerals such as iodine. Oligofructose is an insoluble fiber – it comes from inulin and it’s a prebiotic. We’ve already mentioned the fact that Annamaet uses algae as a fat product (for Omega-3 fatty acids); and that it has fermentation products added.

Ingredients that may raise eyebrows include “Natural Flavor” which is not identified. This is sometimes a form of monosodium glutamate (the flavor enhancer); diacetyl; it can come from animal digest; or it could be something completely harmless. There’s no way to know when this generic term is used. But the government allows pet food manufacturers to use this term. The food also contains added salt. Sure, lots of dog foods add salt to their recipe and this is a minor point, but it will make some people frown.

Annamaet Grain Free Aqualuk Formula contains 426 kcal/cup. This makes the food moderately high in terms of calories.

Nutrition Statement
Annamaet Grain Free Aqualuk Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for “ALL LIFE STAGES” (Gestation, Lactation, Growth and Maintenance).

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles

Average Lab Analysis:

Calcium – 1.3%
Phosphorus – 1.1%

The dry matter basis (DMB) figures for this food are: protein 33.3 percent; fat 17.8 percent; fiber 3.9 percent; carbohydrates 36.7 percent.

This food has above average protein and slightly above average fat compared to most super premium dog foods. The fiber content is also average for most kibbles; and the carb percentage is moderate compared to many grain free dog foods.

We think that Annamaet Grain Free Aqualuk Dog Food looks like an excellent food. We like the salmon meal and herring meal and other ingredients, as well as the protein and fat percentages and the calories in the food. It looks like a food that would be very good for most dogs. If your dog has skin or coat problems, this would be a food to consider as long as your dog doesn’t have problems with any of these ingredients. And if your dog has problems with potatoes, try one of the other Annamaet foods. They all look good. There are no potatoes in Annamaet’s Grain Free Salcha Formula (poultry).

Where can you buy Annamaet dog food?

You can buy Annamaet dog foods on Chewy.com and other online pet food sites. You can also check the Annamaet web site to see where to buy their foods. Annamaet also sells their products overseas.

Final Thoughts

We think that Annamaet dog foods are very good, overall. Their grain free foods use field peas and chickpeas instead of grains. If your dog has problems with lentils in pet food, he may be able to digest these peas more easily. The Annamaet foods that contain grains generally use some combination of Brown Rice, Millet, Rolled Oats, Pearled Barley and Sorghum. Many dogs can eat these cereals/grains without any problem and most of these ingredients have some positives. Other ingredients in the foods look very good such as sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, fermentation products, prebiotics, chelated minerals, and more. The company also works with a good co-packer and they have never had a recall. Annamaet has a great reputation in every way. Highly recommended.